 |
|
|
In the original stories, Dr. Dolittle took fantastic journeys all over the world helping animals in need. Similarly, this new theatrical has had something of its own fantastic journey. It originated in London five years ago, with puppetry from Jim Henson’s Creature Shop. Shortly after the run ended, Broadway-producing titans Nederlander Productions, in conjunction with the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, felt the show deserved to be seen by American audiences. They decided to mount a new production that would deliver the original story’s charming sense of wonder, and resonate with a new generation of fans. The national tour was launched in summer 2005. All
the elements seemed to be in place for a blockbuster, but surprisingly,
something was lacking. In a bold and historic move, the Nederlanders
closed the production, went into rehearsal, and hired the most famous
show-doctor in Broadway history: actor / dancer / choreographer-extraordinaire
Tommy Tune. Among his many accolades, Tune has won nine Tony Awards
in four different categories, eight Drama Desk Awards, two Obie Awards
and the George Abbot Award for Lifetime Achievement. The role of Emma Fairfax (Dolittle’s main supporter
and love interest) is played by acclaimed Broadway actress Dee Hoty,
who was born and raised in Cleveland. Gina Vernaci
|
 |
